I was scheduled to have the laproscopic j-pouch with Dr. Geisler at the CC on January 3rd. Well, I got a call last week to tell me that Dr. Geisler was leaving CC and I would have to have the surgery with someone else. Well, obviously I was upset. I had met with Dr. Geisler and really liked him. So, his nurse (who is fabulous) gave me some names of other doctors. I called Dr. Remzi. He doesn't have any openings for that week. My parents are coming in town for Christmas and then to help me with my surgery for a week. So, now they don't know what to do because they would be leaving before my surgery. Change fees, etc. Also I was already scheduled to have the time off from work with a long-term sub so now I have to reschedule that. Additionally, the nurse said the doctor would need a staff surgeon in there with him. Why would that be? I thought he was a world-renowned surgeon. I want him doing the surgery, not someone who is practicing. Am I overreacting to this? What other reason would there be to have another staff surgeon in there? Okay, so I decided to give Dr. Tracy Hull's nurse a call to see if she was open that week. She is, but she said she might not be able to do it laproscopically. Why would that be? Isn't open surgery a lot more invasive and there is a lot more recovery time? Please let me know what the differences would be. Thanks!

To top that off, a friend and co-worker stopped me in the hall today to tell me that she has UC. A few of us were standing there and I just burst out crying. I felt so bad because I probably scared her, but I just feel so bad for her and don't want her to have to go through what I have been through. I was able to calm down and talk to her about it, but I just feel so bad.

My husband and Mom just called and I have been sobbing now for about a half hour. They both said it would all work out, but I am now having doubts about the surgery. Please offer me some encouraging words.

Meet with Dr. Hull...I'm going to bet that you like her and you won't have to reschedule your time off.

All doctors will start laparoscopic but depending on how things go once they get started they may switch to open surgery. It really depends on each patient individually.

I would get on her schedule, meet her, and then if you don't like what she has to say you can always take another route and reschedule with another doctor.Crohn’s dx 1989some terrible years before mytemporary ileo in 2001Proctocolectomy w/end ileo in 2008...wish I knew then what I know NOW!

Thank you...taking some deep breaths. You are right, I do remember Dr. Geisler mentioning that they will try to do it laproscopically, but it may not work out. Thank you for reminding me of that. Dr. Hull's nurse should be getting back to me. She wanted to talk to Dr. Geisler's nurse first, as well as Dr. Hull.

Do you know the difference in recovery time?

I see you are from Ohio, so have you been to the CC? And, if so, what did you think?

Recovery time difference is usually only a few days...I've only had open surgeries because I've had a lot of them:( Yes, I am treated there and I have nothing but good things to say...that's not to say I haven't had complications, but that is the nature of our disease...it's complicated in itself!!

How many steps are they planning?Crohn’s dx 1989some terrible years before mytemporary ileo in 2001Proctocolectomy w/end ileo in 2008...wish I knew then what I know NOW!

You will be in EXCELLENT hands with any surgeon at the CC. Remzi is an excellent surgeon. I had my surgery by one of the top CR surgeon's in the country at a teaching hospital. I told him I was a bit uncomfortable having students do my surgery to which he replied that they don't! He does the surgery, the students do the snipping and stitches and observe the rest. Also my first scheduled date of surgery was postponed which was devastating since I was mentally set on it. It all worked out and here I am 9 years later and a very happy post-surgery candidate.

Disneynutt, everything will work out. One of my roomates from surgery #1 had Crohn's and Dr. Hull was her doctor so she came to our room several times. I liked her a lot. She was very compassionate. I think you'll like her too. If you can't have it done laproscopically for some reason it's OK. I think I told you my doctor is conservative but he won't perform the operation laproscopically because he doesn't believe the benefits outweigh the risks. I trusted his judgement and went with it. The pain wasn't that bad. Once they took the staples out with #1 I felt pretty good. With the second surgery I had the same incision but the pain was minimal.

Don't stress out. Everything will likely go on the same, except you'll have a different surgeon, who you may end up liking even better.

Ha ha!!! No, the scar is not a foot long! My is about 5" inches and runs from my pubic bone to below my navel. It's really hard to find now as it's faded so much. But everyone's incision is a bit different as it's entirely based on one's physiology. Some do have incision lines much longer than mine. I didn't have choice of a lapro over traditional but my regular GP has a hard time finding my scar after all these years.

Scrapgirl, thank you! I am feeling better now and feel like things will work out.

I glad I made you laugh Suebear! Five inches is much better than a foot!!! It sounds like the only difference is a few days in the hospital. I can handle that. I just want a good surgeon who will make me a wonderful new pouch.

Disneynutt:i have a question for you, did you schedule your surgery in January because it was convenient for you at that time, or was that the earliest you could get in to do it? I ask because I'm going to have j-pouch surgery after i heal from my perforated bowl and wanted to do it at CC too, (i live in Cincinnati so its not even that far away!) but I was told the earliest i'd be able to do the surgery was January so if it takes a long time to get in I want to go ahead and schedule it now.

also, my midline incision is 7inches and that was with all kinds of problems going on in there so like sue said, if they end up having to open you up all the way it still won't be quite that long. :)

and i know its way in advance but bring earplugs with you to the hospital. Especially if you stay in a double room.-diagnosed with UC Dec 2006 at 22 -allergic or intolerant to all 5ASAs, sulfa and 6-mp-emergency transverse colostomy on 9/13/10 from perforated colon-Now IBD is indeterminate tests will be done after healing if still UC J-pouch surgery, if Chron's take down of colostomy

I'm so glad you're feeling better! Remember that once you have surgery, you will be CURED from UC! You are in excellent hands with any of the surgeons at CC, and they will keep you very comfortable with pain medicine after surgery. No worries, it's all going to be okay!

Hugs,CeciliaDx'd Crohn's in '99 at age 28. Proctocolectomy and permanent ileostomy in '06.Disease-free and medicine-free since surgery and very thankful to be healthy again.

Thanks flchurchlady! We went out to dinner with friends and it made me feel better.

Betsaronie...I am having it done in January because I don't want to pay total out of pocket for two different years. Since I will be having the two step, I will have one in January then the next in June, hopefully. That way I only have to pay about $2500 instead of $5000. I could have gotten in earlier. I would schedule as soon as possible, though, so you have some options. Hey, get it done the same time I'm there...what fun we could have, lol.